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IN THE
TIME OF CHRIST
1
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JUDEA
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ENROLL IN THE SABBATH SCHOOL
You are not a member of the Sabbath school unless your
name is enrolled. There are persons who attend frequently,
but who, because their names are not recorded, can not be
counted, and so are aviong the "missing members."
Printed in U. S. A.
THE LIFE OF CHRIST
LESSON 1
FIVE PARABLES: THE MUSTARD SEED, THE
LEAVEN, THE TREASURE, THE PEARL,
THE FISH NET
July 4, 1925
LESSON SCRIPTURE: Matt. 13: 31-35, 44-53.
PARALLEL SCRIPTURE: Mark 4: 30-34.
MEMORY VERSE: "So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall
come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just." Matt. 13: 49.
LESSON HELP: "Christ's Object Lessons," pp. 76-79, 95-134.
SETTING OF THE LESSON
Apparently the parables of this lesson were spoken by Jesus
immediately after the parables of the sower and of the wheat
and the tares. The parable of the mustard seed and that of the
leaven seem to have been given to the multitude who had gath-
ered by the shore of Galilee. Later the multitude was sent away,
and Jesus entered into a house. He there explained the parable
of the tares, and spoke the three other parables of the hidden
treasure, the pearl of great price, and the fisherman's net.
Suggestions for Daily Family Study
1.
Read the "Setting of
the Lesson," and Matt. 13: 31-53. Drill on the
memory verse each day.
2.
Study the parable of the mustard seed, using the senior lesson, or
paragraphs 1-3 of the primary lesson. Read selections from the Lesson
Help, pp. 76-79.
3.
Study Questions 4-6, and Notes
1-4. Read selections from
the Lesson
Help, pp. 95-102.
4.
Study the
parables of the hidden treasure and the pearl of great price.
using Questions 7, 8, children reading paragraphs 4-7 of the primary
lesson. Read selections from the Lesson Help, pp. 103-121.
5.
Study Questions 9-13, and Note 5, children reading paragraphs 8-10
of the primary lesson. Read selections from the Lesson Help, pp. 122-134.
6.
Review a portion of the lesson by using questions
in senior, youth's,
junior, or primary lesson.
7.
Review the remaining portion of the lesson as suggested for the
preceding study.
QUESTIONS
I.
While teaching in parables by the seaside, to what did Jesus
liken the kingdom of heaven? Matt. 13 : 31.
2.
How does the mustard seed compare in size with other seeds?
When the mustard plant is grown, how does it compare with
other herbs? Verse 32. Note I.
(
3
]
3.
What lessons may we learn from this parable? Note 2.
4.
In still another parable, to what did Jesus liken the kingdom
of heaven? Verse 33.
5.
What lesson is illustrated by this parable? Note 3.
6.
What effective means of instruction did Jesus freely use as
He taught the people? What scripture was He fulfilling by
this method of instruction? Verses 34, 35. Note 4.
7.
By what parable does Jesus show how some appreciate the
value of salvation? How much was the finder willing to give
to own the treasure he had found? Verse 44.
8.
By what other parable does Jesus show the exceeding value
of God's grace and salvation, and the importance of seeking
for it? Verses 45, 46.
g. What familiar object did Jesus use to teach the relationship
of the good and the evil to the kingdom of heaven? How
many kinds of fish were gathered in the net? Verse 47.
to. When the net was drawn to the shore, what disposition was
made of its contents? Verse 48.
II. To what particular event does the sorting of the fish refer?
Verses 49, 50.
12.
What question did Jesus ask His disciples after speaking these
parables? What was their reply? Verse 51.
13.
By what comparison did Jesus illustrate the work of the
Christian disciple? Verse 52. Note 5.
NOTES
I. It was proverbial among the Jews to employ the mustard
seed to denote anything very small, as Jesus did in this parable,
and in Matt. 17: zo and Luke i7: 6. The common mustard of
Palestine grows wild, attaining the height of a horse and rider,
as travelers have noticed.
2. From the parable of the mustard seed, we may learn several
lessons : that no matter how small a part of the Word may be
received (by word of mouth, a tract, or otherwise), it has in itself
power to work a great transformation in the life; that the working
of the Spirit on a man's heart may not be disconcernible to
others at first, even when he is sensible of it himself. We must
sow in faith, and God will give the increase.
We may learn also that the mighty works of God often
begin by the smallest means, that the glory may all be His.
Creation was accomplished by a word. The world's Redeemer
was cradled in a manger. The mighty preacher of Pentecost
was the humble fisherman of Galilee. The Reformation of the
sixteenth century began in the heart of a poor monk prostrated
upon the floor of his stone cell, seeking deliverance from his
sins. The work of the third angel's message began in the
home of a humble farmer in New England. What a lesson
[ 4 ]
for us all ! We need not make beginnings in God's work, it
seems, by large and expensive plans to make an impression upon
the world.` The small beginning and the mighty growth develop
the most sturdy. tree. And what encouragement also this parable
affords to the many faithful children of God who can do only
little things for the Master!
"Not only is the growth of Christ's kingdom illustrated by
the parable of the mustard seed, but in every stage of its growth
the experience represented in the parable is repeated. For His
churcb:in every generation God'has a special truth and a special
work. . . . And in this last generation the parable of the .mus-
tard seed is to reach a signal and triumphant fulfillment. The
little seed will become a tree. The last message of warning and
mercy is to go to `every nation and kindred and tongue,' 'to take
out of them a people for His name.'. And the earth shall be
lightened with His glory."—'-"Christ's
Object Lessons," pp. 78
;
79.
3.
The lesson of the mustard seed is here repeated in a dif-
ferent form. The farmer may think upon the power of God's
word, as he sows the little seed, to come forth later as a tender
plant which, under his care and God's blessing, bears a hundred-
fold. The housekeeper may meditate upon the silent working
of the Spirit upon the indifferent heart, as she mixes the leaven
in her flour, and waits patiently for the rising of the dough till
she .can bake her bread and distribute it to the needy.
4.
"Parable-teaching was popular, and commanded the respect
and attention, not only of the Jews, but of the people of other
nations. No more effective method of instruction could He
[Jesus] have employed. If His hearers had desired a knowledge
of divine things, they might have understood His words; for
He was always willing to explain them to the honest inquirer.
"Again, Christ had truths to present which the people were
unprepared to accept, or even to understand. For this reason
also He taught them in parables. By connecting His teaching
with the scenes of life, experience, or nature, He secured their
attehtion and impressed their hearts. Afterward, as they looked
upon the objects that illustrated His lessons, they recalled the
words of the divine Teacher."—"Christ's
Object Lessons," p.
2T.
5.
"The treasure gained by the householder he does not hoard.
He brings it forth to communicate to others. And by use the
treasure increases. The householder has precious things both
new and old. So Christ teaches that the truth committed to
His disciples is to be communicated to the world. And as the
knowledge of truth is imparted, it will increase."—Id.;
P. l2.
"Let the Sabbath school lesson be learned, not by a hasty glance
at the lesson scripture on, Sabbath morning, but by careful study
for the next Week On 'Sabbath afternoon, with daily review or
illustration during the
week."—"Education," pp.
251, 252. •
15]
LESSON 2
JESUS STILLS THE TEMPEST;
.
'THE.
DEMONIACS OFGADARA
July 11, 1925
LESSON SCRIPTURE: Luke 8: 22-40.
PARALLEL SCRIPTURES: Matt. 8: 23-34; Mark 4: 35 to 5: 2C.
MEMORY VERSE: "He commandeth even the winds and water, and
they obey Him."
t
Luke 8: 25.
LESSON HELP: "The Desire of Ages," pp. 333-341.
PLACES: The Sea of Galilee; the country between the city of Gadara
and the lake.
PERSONS: Jesus and His disciples; two demoniacs ;. the keepers of the
swine; the people of Gadara.
SETTING OF THE LESSON
"All day He [Jesus] had been teaching and healing; and as
evening came on, the crowds still pressed upon Him. Day after
day He had ministered to them, scarcely pausing for food or rest.
The malicious criticism and misrepresentation with which the
Pharisees constantly pursued Him, made His labors much More
severe and harassing ; and now the close of the day found Him so
utterly wearied that He determined to seek retirement in some
solitary place across the lake.'!—"The
Desire of Ages," p. 333.
Suggestions for Daily Family Study
1.
Read the "Setting of the Lesson," and Luke 8: 22-40. Drill on the
memory verse each day.
2.
Study the story of Jesus stilling the tempest, by using Question's 1-4,
and Note 1, children reading paragraphs 1-7 of the primary lesson.
3.
Locate the Sea of Galilee on the map. Review the portion studied,
by reading the Lesson
Help,
pp. 333-336, or by using senior or junior
questions.
4.
Study Questions 5-17, and Notes 2-6, children reading paragraphs
8-12 of the primary lesson. Locate Gadara on the map.
5.
Read selections from the Lesson Help, pp. 337-341. Let the two
stories in the lesson be told, by each member of the family contributing
a part.
6.
Review a portion of the lesson by using questions in senior, youth's,
junior, or primary lesson.
7.
Review the remaining portion of the lesson as suggested for the
preceding study.
QUESTIONS
1.
What did Jesus suggest to His disciples on a certain day?
Luke 8:
22.
2.
While He was making this journey, what shows the weariness
of Jesus? What occurred on the lake? What danger threat-
ened? Verse 23.
3.
What help did the disciples seek? What did Jesus immediately
do? With what result? Verse 24. Note r.
[6
J
4. Having stilled the wind and the sea, what rebuke did He give
to His disciples? How .did they express their amazement
among themselves? Verse 25.
5. When they reached the other shore, who met them? Verses
26, 27. Note
2.
6. What did this madman do and say when he saw Jesus? Verse
28. Note 3.
.
.
7. What caused the evil spirit in the man to ci-y out thus? • To
what extent was the man under this evil control?. Verse
29.
Note
4.
8. What question did Jesus address to the evil spirit? What
reply did he give? Verse 3o.
9. Knowing that they must depart from the man, what request
did the evil spirits make of Jesus? Verses 31, 32.
10.
This change being permitted, what did it cause the herd of
swine to do? Verse 33. Note 5.
L t. How did this demonstration affect those who were feeding the
' swine? Where did they go? Verse 34.
[2. How did the news of this miracle affect those who heard it?
Where did they find the man out of whom the evil spirits had
been driven? Verse 35.
13.
Compare his condition after the devils were departed with
that before his deliverance. Verses 27, 29, 35.
14.
What did eyewitnesses of the miracle tell those who came to
see the man? Verse 36.
5. What did the Gadarenes ask Christ to do? For what reasOn?
,
What response did Jesus make to their request? Verse 37.
r6. What did the man once possessed of devils desire to• do?
Verse 38.
17. What did Jesus tell him to do instead? What was the result?
Verse 39. Note 6.
NOTES
r. "When Jesus was awakened to meet the storm, He
x
was in
perfect peace. There was no trace of fear in word or look, for
no fear was in His heart. But He rested not in the possession of
almighty power. It was not as the 'Master of earth and sea
and sky' that He reposed in quiet. That power He had laid down,
and He says, 'I can of Mine. own self do nothing.' He trusted
in the Father's might. It was in faith-faith in God's love
and care-that Jesus rested, and the power of that word which
stilled the storm was the power of God. . .
"Sin has destroyed our peace. While self is unsubdued, we
can find no rest. The masterful passions of .the heart no human
power can control. We are as helpless here as were the disciples
to quiet, the raging storm. But He who spoke peace to the billoWs
of Galilee, has spoken the word of peace for every soul. However
I7]
fierce the tempest, those who turn
,
to Jesus with the cry, 'Lord,
save: us,'.•will • find deliverance. His grace, that reconciles the
soul to God, quiets the strife of human passion, and in His
love the heart is at rest."—"The
Desire of Ages,",pp. 335-337.
2.
The account in Mark, like the ..one in Luke, mentions only
one man possessed with devils; but in Matthew, it is stated that
there were two men. One of them was doubtless more con-
spicuous than the other, and special attention is directed to him
by Mark and Luke, who give more of the details than does
Matthew.
3.
In this lesson, we have' an example of Christ's mastery
over. the powers of darkness. Satan, the chief of devils, is
Apollyon, the destroyer. Rev. 9: it. Christ is "the Prince of
Peace." Isa. 9: 6. The devils, true to their nature, were tor-
menting the poor man—driving him to and fro like the waves
of the sea driven by the winds. Christ, true to His nature, spoke
peace, 'and the 'troubled soul had rest. What a perfect parallel
this miracle was to the stilling of the tempest! Let this word ever
be the joy of the tempted one: Christ is more 'powerful than
Satan, for He has "spoiled principalities and poWers.", "These
things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace.
In..the. world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer;
I have overcome the world." John 16:
33.
4.
"With authority He bade the unclean spirits come out of
them. His words penetrated the darkened minds of the unfor-
tunate men. They realized dimly that One was near who could
save them from the tormenting demons. They fell at the Sav-
iour's feet to worship Him ; but when their lips were opened to
entreat His mercy, the demons spoke through them, crying
vehemently, 'What have I to do with Thee, Jesus. Thou Son of
God most high? I beseech Thee, torment me not.' Jesus asked.
'What is thy name?' And the answer was, 'My name is Legion ;
for we are many.' Using the afflicted men as mediums of com-
munication, they besought Jesus not to send them out of the
country."—"The
Desire of Ages," p. 338.
5.
"The demons were permitted to sweep a herd of swine into
the sea • and to the dwellers of Gadara the loss. of these out-
weighed the blessings which Christ had bestowed, and the divine
Healer was entreated to depart. This was the result which
Satan designed to secure. By casting the blame of their loss
upon Jesus, he aroused the selfish fears of the people, and
prevented them from listening to His words. .
. But the
purPoses
.
of Christ were not thwarted. He allowed :the evil spirits
to,destroy the herd of swine as a rebuke to those Jews who were
raising these unclean beasts for the sake of gain.
'=•--"The Great
Controversy," p. 515.
t:..6.:The
man out of whom the devils were cast wanted to be
with-Jesus. That was a most natural desire; but Jesus said to
him,'MReturti to thine own house, and show 'how great things
Gody.hdth done unto thee." • God saves men for *service. "Ye
[ 8
are an elect race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for
God's own possession, that ye may show forth the excellencies of
Him who called you out
s
of darkness into His marvelotts light."
I Peter
2 :
9, Revised Version. But, although the Lord sends: us
out to service, instead of allowing us now to dwell in His personal
presence, beholding His face, yet He does not leave us alone, for
He says, "Lo, I am with you alway." Matt. 28:
20.
LESSON 3
THE DAUGHTER OF JAIRUS; THE
AFFLICTED WOMAN
July 18, 1925
LESSON SCRIPTURE:
Mark 5: 21-43.
PARALLEL SCRIPTURES: Matt. 9:
,
.8-26; Luke 8: 41-56.
MEMORY VERSE: "Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hatli:Made
thee whole." Matt. 9: 22.
LESSON HELP: "The Desire of Ages," pp. 342-348.
PLACES: The seashore; the home of Jairus in Capernauni.
.
PERSONS: Jesus and His disciples; the multitude; hints and his
daughter:
the afflicted woman; hired mourners.
SETTING OF THE LESSON
"Returning, from Gergesa to the western shore, jesus found
a multitude gathered to receive Him, and they greeted'Hini with
joy. He remained by the seaside for a time, teaching and healing,
and then repaired to the house of Levi-Matthew. to meet the
publicans at the feast. Here Jairus, the ruler of
the
synageigue,
found
Him."—"The Desire of Ages," P. 342.
The afflicted woman had been pronounced incurable. "Her
-
hopes revived when she heard of the cures that. Christ performed.
She felt assured that if she could only go to. Him, she would be
healed. In weakness and suffering she came to the seaside where
He was teaching, and tried to press through the croWd, but in
vain. Again she- followed Him from the house of Levi-MattheW,
but was still unable to reach Him. She had begun to despair,
when, in making His way through the multitude,'He came'near
where she was."—Id.,
P. 343.
Suggestions for Daily Family Study
1.
Read .the "Setting
of the Lesson." Read Mark 5:21-43..
;
Drill on
the memory verse each day.
2.
Map Study: Locate Gadara, Sea of Galilee, and Capernaiirri: Study
Questions
1.4, and
Note 1, and
have children
read paragraphs:14
,
6i the
primary lesson.
3.
Study
Questions'
5.12, and Notes 2-4. Children may read
paragtaphs
4-6 of
the
primary lesson. Read pages 342 and 343 of the Lesson
Help.
9
8-11
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Lessen Help.
5.- Read"
.
the Parallel Scriptures. Let the full story of the lesson be
told, by each member contributing a part.
6. Review, a portion of the lesson by using questions in senior, youth',.
junior, or primary lesson.
Review. the remaining portion of the lesson
as
suggested for the
preceding study.
QUESTIONS
1.
When Jesus returned from Gadara to Capernaum, who gath-
ered to meet Him? Mark 5:
21.
2.
On this occasion, what important person came to Jesus? What
was the-burden of his heart? What did he-ask Jesus to do?
Verses 22,
23.
Note
1.
3.
How did Jesus resPond to the request? Who followed Him?
Verse 24.
4.
While He was on the way to the home of Jairus, who was
among the multitude that thronged Him? How long
,
had
this woman been ill? • Verse 25.
5.
What effort had she put forth to get well? With what result?-
Verse 26.
6.
How did she manifest her faith that Jesus could heal her?
Verses 27; 28.
7.
What blessing came'to her through this touch of faith? Verse
29. Note 2.
8.
Of what was Jesus immediately conscious? 'What question
did He ask? Verse 3o. Note 3.
9..1
-
Jow did the disciples express their surprise ;it such a ques-
tion? • For whom did Jesus look? Verses .31, 32. Note
4.
to. When the woman saw that Jesus recognized her, what did
-
she- do? Verse 33.
it. How did Jesus quiet her fears? Verse 34.
12.
'While they were thus delayed, what message came front
the home of Jairus? Verse 35.
13.
What
-
comforting words did Jesus then speak to Jairus?
Verse
-
36.
14.
Him many disciples did Jesus permit to continue the journey
.from that place with Him? Verse 37.
15.
What condition did Jesus find on His arrival
at
the home of
Jairus? Verse 38. Note 5.
16.
What did Jesus say to those who were wailing? How did
they express their incredulity? Whom alone did Jesus permit
to go, into the room
.
where the body of :the 'child lay?
Verses 39, 40.
17.
Describe 'the manner in which Jesus restored the maiden to
life. How old was the girl? How did this affect those who -
were there? Verses 41, 4
2
.
"
[ 1e ]
18, What charge did Jesus give the parents.? • What did .He ask
them. to do for the. girl? Verse, 43.
NOTES
"The !`ruler• of the synagogue' occupied a very
important
position.•
the..
synagogue he was the third officer .in
rank; the first officer being the high priest,.and the second the
chief of the priests. In provincial synagogues the `ruler'. was
supreme. No one was eligible to this office until he had a
certificate from the great Sanhedrin that he possessed the requisite
qualifications. His election, however,. was by the members of the
synagogue. It was his duty to supervise all matters connected
with worship."—"Bible
Manners, and. Customs."
2.
The Touch of Faith.
The disciples could not understand
the difference. between the selfish and. curious crowding of the
multitude and the tduch of faith; but' Jesus could underStand.
It was not the mere touch that healed;-neither was it the garments
of Christ; it was the power of Christ in response to the faith of
the woman. Faith has been defined as "the soul's grasp of Christ's
power to save," and here was its manifestation. The woman
saw by faith the healing already accomplished; she approPriated
the 'boon desired by manifesting her faith. There is as great
difference between the prayer of faith and the fOrmal prayer
as
.
between the touch of faith and the casual touch. The prayer
of true faith lays hold of the power of God even as the touch of
faith brought virtue from Christ.
3.
What was it that went from Christ to the afflicted woman?
It was just the thing that she stood in need of, and that was life.
As soon as she touched Jesus; she was made whole. 'Life 'from
Jesus-had follOWed that touch of faith, and filled her, ThiS also
was written "that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the
Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through His
name." John 2o: 31. Christ "is our life." Col. 3: 4. He came
to give life—not simply physical life, but spiritual life.
4.
"When the suffering woman put forth her hand to touch
Him, believing that she would be made.whole, she felt the healing
virtue. So in spiritual things. To talk. of religion in a casual
way, to pray without soul-hunger and living faith, avails nothing.
A nominal faith in Christ, which accepts Him merely as the
Saviour of the world, can never bring healing to the soul.. The
faith that is unto salvation is not a mere intelleetual assent to
the truth: He who waits for entire knowledge before he will
exercise. faith,. can not receive blessing from God. It is not
enough to believe
about
Christ.; we must believe
in.
Him. The
only faith that will benefit us is that which embrace Him as a
personal Saviour; which appropriates His merits to ourselves.
Many hold faith as an opinion. Saving faith is a transaction, by
which those who receive Christ, join themselves in covenant
relation with God. Genuine faith is life. A living faith means
an increase of vigor, a confiding trust, by which the soul becomes
a conquering power."—"The
Desire of Ages,"
p.
347. •
f.
11]
5. Noisy demonstrations of grief at the death of a friend
are common in. Eastern countries. As soon as a person dies,
all the women "in the family set up a loud and doleful cry.
They continue it as long as they can without taking breath, and
the shriek of wailing dies away in a low sob. Nor do the relatives
satisfy themselves with these expressions of violent grief. They
hire persons of both sexes, whose employment it is to mourn
for the dead in like frantic manner. (See Amos 5: 16; Jer.
9
:
20.
)"—Barnes.
"Even the poorest were obliged to provide for a funeral two
flute players and one wailing woman."—Cambridge
Bible.
LESSON 4
TWO BLIND MEN HEALED; A DUMB
SPIRIT CAST OUT
July 25, 1925
LESSON SCRIPTURE: Matt. 9: 27-38,
MEMORY VERSE: "Then touched He their eyes, saying, According to
your faith be it unto you." Matt. 9: 29.
PLACE: Probably in Galilee.
PERSONS: Jesus and the twelve; two blind men; a dumb man; the
Pharisees and the multitude.
SETTING OF THE LESSON
Blind men and other unfortunates in those days frequented
the highways in Palestine, begging of the passer-by. The afflicted
men in the lesson were probably of this class. A modern writer
says, "Blindness is common in Palestine to a degree which we
in Western lands can scarcely realize."
Suggestions for Daily Family Study
1.
Read the
"Setting of the Lesson," and the Lesson Scripture.. Children
read paragraphs 1-4 of the primary lesson. Drill on the memory verse
every day.
2.
Let each member of the family have a part in telling the story of
the two blind men. Study Note 2 until you can give .the substance in
your own words.
3.
Study Questions 6-8. Children read paragraphs 5-9 of
the
primary
lesson. Study. Note 3.
4.
Study Questions 9-13, and Notes 4-6. Juniors may
read
notes in
"The Youth's Instructor."
5.
Name
persons mentioned in the lesson, telling what each one
said
or did.
6.
Review a portion of the lesson by using questions. in senior,'youth's:
junior, or primary lesson.
7.
Review
the latter half of the lesson as suggested for the preceding study:
QUESTIONS
I.
After the healing of Jairus' daughter, what unfortunate pert
sons followed Jesus? What request did, they make
.
of, the
Saviour ?. Matt. 9 : 27. Note. I.
[ 12 ]
2.
As they pressed their petition, into what place did the blind
men follow Jesus? What pointed question did• Jesus
,
then.
address to
the
blind men? What did they reply? Verse 28:
3.
What did Jesus then do and say? Verse 29.
4.
After ,their• eyes were opened, what did Jesus charge dies
men nov to do? Verse 30. Note
2.
5.
How did! they disregard the Saviour's request? Verse. 31.
6.
After the departure of these men, who was brought to Jess?'
Verse 32.
7.
How did •the casting out of the evil spirit affect the man?
How did, this miracle affect the multitude who saw it?
Verse 33.
:
8.
By what power did the Pharisees say Jesus cast out, devils?,
Verse 34. Note 3.
9.
How extensively did Jesus carry forward His work? Verse
35,first part.
io. What three things in particular did He do as He traveled'
about?: Verse
3s,
last part. Note 4.
it. What condition did He see among the 'people, that excited'
His pity? Verse 36. Note 5.
12.
What did He say to His disciples? Verse 37-
13.
For what did He jell them to pray? Verse 38. Mote
NOTES
t. There are several instances in the four Gospels where the
phrase "son of David" is used in referring to Jesus. The JeWS
,
commonly believed, according to the Scriptures, that the MeSsiah
would- be the son of David (John 7: 42) ; but they were greatly
offended at having such language applied to Jesus, and for this
reason tried'
stop it. (See Matt.
20 : 30,
31.) Those who
made use of the term were convinced that He was the son of
David and therefore the Messiah. Their very cry for help
acknowledged Him as the Christ.
2. Had Jesus at this early period fully manifested Himself
as the Messiah, the people might have tried to make Him
:
king,
as they
,
thought to do near the close of His ministry. Such
an attempt would have increased the hatred of the Jewish rulers
and aroused the suspicions of the Roman government ; and
thereby serious obstacles would have been raised, which, humanly
speaking, would have greatly hindered the work Christ came to do:
"Had: the: priests known the facts concerning the, healing
of the leper,• their hatred of Christ might have led them to
remit
a dishonest:sentence. Jesus desired the man to present himself
at the temple before any rumors concerning the miracle had
reached them: Thus an impartial decision could be secured,
;
and
the restored .leper would be permitted to unite once more with
his family and friends:
133
There' were other objects which Christ had • in view in
enjoining silence on the man: The Saviour knew. that His enemies
were ever seeking to limit His work, and to turn the people from
Him. He knew that if the healing of the leper were noised
abroad, other sufferers from 'this terrible .disease would crowd
about Him, and the cry would be raised that the 'people would
be contaminated by contact :with them. Many of the. lepers would
not so use the gift of health as,to make it a. blessing to themselves
or <to others. And by drawing the lepers about. Him; He would
give occasion for the charge that He Was breaking down
.
the
restrictions of the ritual law. Thus His' work in .preaching the
gOsikel would be hindered."—"The
Desire of Ages,"
p. 264.
3. In commenting on Matt. 12: 22-30, which records an instance
similar to the one in this lesson, the author of "The Desire of
Ages" says, on pages 321 and 322:
"It was just before this that Jesus had a second time per-
formed the miracle of healing a man possessed, blind and. dumb,
and the Pharisees had reiterated the charge, 'He .casteth out
devils • through the prince of the devils.' . Christ...told them.
plainly that in 'attributing the work of the Holy, Spirit to Satan,
they. were cutting themselves off from the fOuntain of blessing.
Those who had spoken against Jesus Himself„ not discerning
His divine character, might receive forgiveness; for through the
Holy Spirit they might be brought to see their error and 'repent.
Whatever the sin, if the soul repents and believes,.the guilt is
washed away in the blood of Christ; but he who rejects the work
of the Holy Spirit is placing himself where repentance and faith
can not come to him. It is by the Spirit that God works upon the
heart; when men willfully reject the Spirit, and declare it to be
from Satan, they cut off the channel by which God can communi-
cate with them. When the Spirit is finally rejected, there is no
more that God can do for the soul."
. 4. "During His ministry, Jesus devoted more time to healing
the sick than to preaching. His miracles testified to the truth
of His words, that He came not to destroy but to save. His
righteousness went before Him, and the glory of the Lord
was'His rearward. Wherever He went, the tidings
-
of His mercy
preceded Him. Where He had passed, the objects of His com-
passion were rejoicing in health, and making trial sof
,
their new-
found powers. Crowds were collecting around them to hear
from their' lips the works that the Lord had wrought. His voice
was the first sound that many had ever heard, His name the
first word they had ever spoken, His face the first they had ever
looked' upon. Why should they not love Jesus,' and sound His
praise? As He passed through the towns and cities,- He was
like a vital current, diffusing life and joy wherever He went."—
"The Desire of Ages,"
p.
35o.
5. "Jesus had now been among the people long enough to see
their wretched condition spiritually, to detect their misdirected
yearnings, and their dissatisfaction with the religious instruction
[ 14 ]
they 'Were te:ceiving, and also :to discover the entire un'titncss
of their teachers for the work of instructing and saving them.
They were like sheep, incapable• of caring for themselves, but
capable of being turned and led into right ways. But who' should
do all this? An extensive harvest waited to be garnered, but
who shall do the work? Very few were able and ready to engage
in it. The
.
LPrd of the harvest alone could raise up and Send
forth the needed laborerS."—Dr.
Adam Clarke.
6. Now, as then, many of the people are without a shepherd.
and the. close of probation is drawing near. The harvest of the
earth is nearly ripe, and is soon to be gathered. In a special sense
should .the people of the Lord earnestly pray at this time, that
the Lord 'of the harvest will raise up laborers, and send them
forth intp the field to give the last call of salvation.
LESSON 5
THE TWELVE SENT FORTH
August 1, 1925
LESSON SCRIPTURE: Matt. 10: 1-23.
PARALLEL. SCRIPTURES: Mark 6: 7=13; Luke .0
.
t"1-6.
MEMORY VERSE: "Freely ye have received; freely give." Matt. 10: 8.
1, LESSON HELP: "The Desire of Ages," pp. 349-355.
.p
(
PLACE: Galilee.
(
PERSONS'; Jesus and the twelve disciples.
SETTING OF
:
. THE LESSON
"The, apostles were members of the family of Jesus, and they
had accompanied Him as He traveled on foot through Galilee...
As Jesus ministered to the vast multitudes that gathered about
Him. .His disciples were in attendance, eager to do His bidding
and to lighten His labor. ;They assisted in arranging the people,
bringing the afflicted ones to the Saviour, and :promoting the
comfort of all. They watched for interested hearers, explained
the Scriptures to them, and in various ways worked for their
spiritual benefit. They taught what they had learned of Jesus, and
were every day obtaining a rich experience. But they needed also
an experience in laboring alone."—"The
Desire of Ages," P. 3.p.
Suggestions for Daily_ Family Study
1- Read the "Setting of the Lesson." Study Questions 1-6, with Notes I
and 2. Drill on the memory verse and the names of the apostles, each day
in the week.
2. Study Questions 7-11, with Notes 3 and 4. Children may read
paragraphs 1-7 of the primary lesson.
Study• Questions 12.18; with Notes 5 and 6. Children may read para-
graphs 8-10 of the primary lesson.
4. Let each member of the 'family have a part in telling the lesson as a
story. Read selections from the Lesson Help.
115
]
5.
Read the Parallel Scriptures. Ask questions on, the most .difficult
points in the lesson, using senior quarterly or junior lesson, and motes.
6.
Review the first half of the lesson, each member taking part. Use
questions in senior, youth's, junior, or primary lesson.
7.
Review the remaining portion of the lesson as suggested: for
the
preceding study.
'
QUESTIONS
1.
When Jesus sent forth the twelve disciples what power did.
He give them? Matt. to: 1.
2.
Name the twelve disciples. Verses 2-4.
3.
In the beginning of their ministry, to what people did -Jesus
charge His disciples not to go? Verse 5. Nbte
,
1:
4.
Who did the Saviour say should be the firSt'.Object of their
labors? Verse 6.
5.
What was to be the keynote of their message? Verse 7.
Note
2.
6.
What help did Jesus instruct them to give to the people? What
was to be the measure of their labor of love? Verse 8.
7.
What instruction did Jesus give them concerning temporal
matters? What reason does He give for this instruction?
Verses 9, to.
8.
When they entered a city, for whom were they, to inquire?
What were they then to do? Verse xx..
9.
Upon entering a house, what were they to do? What was to
be their attitude toward a worthy or an unworthy house?
Verses 32; 13. Note 3.
to. If the people did not receive them, what were they to. do?
Verse
-
14. Note 4.
it. What doomed cities of old will be more favored than those
who rejected the message of the twelve? Verse 15.
12.
To what does Jesus liken those among whom the disciples'
were sent? What counsel did He give them? Verse t6.:
13.
Of whom were they to beware? What was to be their ex-
perience? Verses 17, 18.
14.
For what should they take no thought? -Verse 19.
15.
What agency would speak through them? Verse 20. „I:dote 5.
16.
What division will the gospel sometimes make .in the.,house-
hold?' What will one's own kindred sometimes be led .to do?
Verge
21.
17.
How far will this hatred extend? Who only will be saved?
Verse 22. Note 6.
18.
What were the disciples instructed to d6: when perSeeuted?
Verse 23!
NOTES
r. The command of the SaviOur to the twelve, "Go'not into
the way of the gentiles, and intoany, city of :the ,'SatnaritanS
enter ye not," did not mean that ilis-rgospel„Was. never: to' be
I 16" :
preached to other peoples. Every great movement has a home
base, an&Galileeiwas favorably situated for launching the proc-
lamation, "The kingdom of heaven is at hand."- 'The Jewish
`people had had' long'training in the service of the true God, but
many had strayed 'far from the path of righteousness, and were
indeed "lost sheep." It was only fitting that they, first of all,
Should hear the call to repentance and reformation essential to
citizenship in the Messiah's kingdom. Moreover, the seventy
weeks of Daniel 9: 24 had not expired; almost seven years still
remained, allotted to a special work for Daniel's. people "according
to the flesh," and for Jerusalem, "the holy city." A turning to the
gentiles
-
. at this :time• would have been premature; hence the
instruction for the time being recorded in. Matthew to: 5, 6.
2. "If they [the disciples] had now preached the gospel to
the gentiles orthe Samaritans, they would have lost their influence
with the Jews. By exciting the prejudice of the Pharisees
they would have involved themselves in controversy which would
have discouraged them at the outset of their labors. Even the
apostles' were 'slow to understand that the gospel was to be
carried to all nations. Until they themselves could grasp. this
truth, they were not prepared to labor for the gentiles. If the
Jews would receive the gospel, God purposed to make them His
messengers to the gentiles. Therefore they were first to hear the
message..''' The
Desire 'of Ages," p. 351.
1
'3.
The customary Oriental salutation was. "Peace be to this
house:".. If the house was unworthy, the proffered blessing would
not rest upon it.
"Peace, among the Hebrews, had a very extensive meaning—
it comprehended all blessings, spiritual and temporal. ... To wish
peace to a family, in the name and by the authority of Christ.
was in effect a positive promise, on the Lord's side, of all the
good implied in the wish.. This was paying largely even before-
hand. .. .
'If the house be worthy'—if
that family shall be found
to be proper for a preacher to lodge in, and the master be ready
to embrace
.
for
message of salvation.
'Your peace'—the
blessings
you have prayed for, shad come upon the family: God will prosper
them in their bodies, souls, and substance."—Dr.
Adam Clarke.
4.
"To shake the dust of any city of Israel from off one's
clothes or feet -was-an emblematical action, signifying a renuncia-
tion of all farther connection with them, and placing them on
a level with the cities of the heathen."---/d.
5.
Daily the servant of the Lord should be filling his mind
with the mighty truths of God's Word. Then when asked for a
reason of his faith, whether before judges or councils, or 'Whether
in trial by the adversary of our souls, the Holy Spirit will bring
to the mind the very promises of the Word that are needed.
John 14:
&:
The triartyrsthose who have witnessed for Jesus—have
riot'all been
-
burned at
.
the stake, nor have they all died in
dungeons. Some are iirlidmes suffering for the truth'S sake.' As a
[
17]
,
result of obeying God and walking in the light, waves have borne
:
persecution from husbands, and husbands from
wives, and
parents
from children. To, stand true to' God under such circumstanceS
takes a martyr's spirit and a heart made 'strong by the love of God. -
Those„ who as good soldiers endure to the end will be saved.
SUPPOSED FATE OF THE DISCIPLES AND APOSTLES
"Matthew was martyred in the city of Ethiopia.
'.'Mark was dragged through the streets of Alexandria in Egypt,
till he expired.
"Luke was hanged upon an olive tree in Greece.
"John was bound and cast into a caldron of boiling oil
-
in Rome
without injury, and it is said that he died a natural death
at Ephesus in Asia.
"Peter . was crucified in Rome, with
his
head down, regarding
himself as unworthy to be crucified as his Lord.
"James the Great was beheaded in Jerusalem.
"James the Less was beaten to death with a fuller's club.
"Philip was hanged against a pillar at Hierapolis in Phrygia.
"Thomas was slain with a lance at Coromandel, East. India.
"Bartholomew was flayed alive.
"Jude was shot to death with arrows.
"Simon Zelotes was crucified in Persia.
"Andrew was crucified, says tradition, at Patrx in Achaia.
"Matthias was beheaded.
"Barnabas was stoned to death by Jews at Salamis.
"Paul was beheaded at Rome in the reign of Nero.
"Such was their fate, according to legends and traditions
that have been handed down through the centuries.'—"Christian
Herald," Feb. 23, 1916.
LESSON 6
INSTRUCTION TO THE TWELVE
August 8, 1925
LESSON SCRIPTURE:
Matt. 10: 24 to 11: 1.
MEMORY VERSE: "Whosoever shall give to drink unto' one of these
little ones a cup of cold water only in the name Of a disciple, verily I
say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward." Matt. tO: 42.
LESSON HELP: "The Desire of Ages,"
pp.
355-358.
PLACE: Galilee.
PERSONS: Jesus and the twelve disciples.
SETTING OF THE LESSON
Jesus had called His twelve apostles together, and was about
to send them out, two and two, through the towns and villages.
Before they went, He gave them instruction concerning what
they were to sap and do. The instruction is continued in
this lesson.
[18
7
Suggestions for Daily Family Study
1.
Read the "Setting of the Lesson." Study Questions 1-5, and Notes I
and 2. Children may read paragraphs 1-5 of the primary lesson. Drill on
the memory- verse each day.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
..
2.
Study Questions 6-9, with Notes 3-5. Name various ways in which
we may deny
, •
Chri.si. Children may read paragraphs 6-10 of the' Pri,
mary
lesson.
. •
3.
Study Questions 10-12. Read selected portions of the Lesson: Help.
Ask questions, in the primary lesson.
.
.
.
.
4.
Let each member ,of the family ,have a part in telling the lesson as
a story. Study the notes in .he junior lessOn.
5.
Ask questions on the 'most difficult, parts of the lesson. Read selected
portions of the Lesson Help. .Study. the youth's lesson and motes.
6.
Review
,
the first half of the lesson, each. member taking. part. , Use
questions, in senior, youth's, junior, or primary lesson.
7.
Review the remaining portion of the lesson as suggested for the
preceding study. • .
QUESTIONS
1. What does Jesus say of our relationship to those in authority?
Matt. to : 24.
2, What did Jesus intend that His disciples should understand
by this statement? As Master'of the house, how had Jesus
'been treated? Verse 25.
3.
For what reason does He encourage His disciples not to
fear such treatment? Verse 26.
4.
HOW was the truth to be proclaimed? Verse 27. Note t.
5.
What boldness yet what fear did Jesus urge upon-His fol-
lowers? Verse 28. Note 2.
6.
'What illustration does Jesus use to show the Father's care
for His children ? Verses 29-31.
7.
What promise is made to those who faithfully confess Jesus
before the world? Verse 32. Note 3.
8.
What is- said of those who deny Him before the world?
Verse
1
3.
Note 4.
9.
What surprising statement did Jesus then make concerning
His mission to this world? Verse 34. Note 5.
to. How vitally would His mission affect some human relation-
ships? Verses 35, 36.
i
t. How may we become unworthy of Jesus? Verse 37.
12.
What must every true follower of the Master bear? Verse 38.
t3. What vital principle of life does Jesus lay down? Verse 39.
14.
How closely does Jesus ally His followers with Himself and
the Father? Verse 40.
15.
How does our attitude toward God's messengers govern the
reward we shall receive? Verse 41.
'16. What assurance is given that the smallest act of kindness
will be duly rewarded? Verse 42.
17. When Jesus had finished His instruction to the twelve, what
did He do? Matt.
It': I.
I 19
3
NOTES
Eastern countries, the housetops are usually flat. When
a death occurs in a dwelling, the mourners, mostly hired for that
purpose, go to the housetops, where they attract attention by
their loud wailing and lamentation. From the 'housetops, decrees
and proclamations of civil authorities are .made. These procla-
mations are generally made in the evening, when the streets are
full after the people have returned from their lab
-
ors in the field.
The.publie crier ascends to the highest roof, and lifts up his voice
in a long-drawn call upon all faithful subjects to give ear and
obey. He then proceeds to announce the will of their master
and demands obedience. The call to divine worship is often made
from the housetop in the absence of a tower or bell. Jesus taught
His disciples that they were to go to the multitudes, and there
proclaim the truth with courage and power.
2.
"The servant is not above his master. The Prince of heaven
was called Beelzebub, and His disciples will be misrepresented
in like manner. But whatever the danger, Christ's followers
must avow their principles. They should scorn Concealment.
They can not remain uncommitted until assured of safety in con-
fessing the truth. They are set as watchmen,. to warn men of
their peril. The truth received from Christ must be imparted to
all, freely and openly. Jesus said, 'What I tell you in dAkness,
that speak ye in light; and what ye hear in the ear, that preach
ye upon the housetops.' Jesus Himself never purchased peace by
compromise."—"The
Desire of Ages," p. 355.
3.
"The confession of Christ by the apostles was before the
heads of their religion, the chief priests who had crucified Him.
It was before rulers and kings, before the philosophers of Athens.
the libertines of Corinth. It was the bold, unflinching avowal
that the world was saved by the cruel and disgraceful death of
ajew, one of a nation regarded with pretty much the same con-
tempt as they are now. They who Made this conf
ession always
made it at the risk of their lives. . . A ChriStian has now to
profess the creative power of God among evolutionists, and the all-
ruling providence of God in the company of unbelieving scientists.
In some companies, he has to brave the ridicule, attaching to the
belief in miracles. In the society of filthy-minded men, he has
to: uphold the purity of Christ; and in the society of worldlings.
he may be called upon to uphold the rooted antagonism between
the world and Christ. These may seem very poor:and mild ways
of confessing Christ, compared with what our forefathers in
the faith had to endure; but they all try the mettle of the Christian.
If.he.is
..faithful in confessing Christ in, these comparatively little
matters, he may have good hope that GOd would, if, called upon,
give,,him.grace to make a bolder and more public' and dangerous
confession if it was laid upon him
-
so to do. 'Snell is the confession
of Christ; and the reward answers to it."—M.
F. Sadler.
[ 20 )
4.
There
-
are different v‘aj;;;
-
of denying ChriSt "Men may
deny Christ hy evil-speaking, by foolish talking; by words that
are untruthful or unkind. They may deny Him by shunning
life's burdens
;
by the pursuit. of sinful pleasure.: They may deny
Him by conforming to the World, by uncourteous behavior, by
the love of their own opinions, by justifying self, by cherishing
doubt, borrowing trouble, and dwelling in darkness. In all these
ways they declare that Christ is not in them."—"The
Desire of
Ages,"
p.
357.
5.
The prophet names Jesus "the Prince of Peace." Isa. g: 6.
At His birth, an angelic- host sang, "Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace, good will toward men." Luke
2: 13,
14. How,
then, are we to account for these words in verse? 34, 35? The
spirit of
-
Christ is not at war with men, but with principles. Light
and darkness will not blend. Oil and water will not mix. Jesus
came to deliver man from the bondage of sin. To those who
receive Him, He brings peace. In the hearts of those who reject
Him there is war. While ,Christ came to give peace 'to all, His
coming challenges the powers -of darkness in the hearts of men.
Thus it is saidthat the gospel divides families, -and rends asunder
the strongest ties of nature; but in reality, it is sin that brings
division when some members .of a
,
family refuse to yield to
righteousness.
LESSON 7
FIVE THOUSAND FED; JESUS
WALKS ON THE SEA
August
15, 1925
LESSON SCRIPTURE: Mark 6: 30-56.
PARALLEL SCRIPTURES: Matt. 14: 14-33; Luke 9: 10-17; John
6: 1-21.
MEMORY VERSE: "Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid." Matt.
14: 27.
LESSON HELP: "The Desire of Ages," pp. 364-382.
PLACES: Near Bethsaida; Sea of Galilee.
PERSONS: Jesus; the disciples; the multitude.
SETTING OF THE LESSON
The twelve had returned from their first. missionary trip.
They "came to Jesus and told Him all things. Their intimate
relationship with Him encouraged them to lay before Him their
favorable and unfavorable experiences, their joy at seeing results
from their labors, and their sorrow at their failures, their faults,
and their weaknesses. They had committed errors in their first
Work as evangelists, and as they frankly told Christ of their expe-
L
21 ]
riences, He saw that they needed much instruction. He saw, too,
that they had become weary in their labors, and that they needed
to
rest."---':`The..Desire of Ages,".
p.
359,•
"Vield
thy poor best, and ask not how or why, '
Lest one day, seeing all about thee spread
A mighty
:
crowd and marvelously fed,
Thy heart break out into a bitter cry :
'I might have furnished, 1, yea, even I,
The two small fishes and the barley bread.' "
Suggestions for Daily Family Study
1.
Read the "Setting of the Lesson," and Mark 6: 30-44. Children read
paragraphs 1-5 of the primary lessofi.
2.
Study Queltions 1-10, and Notes 1-4. 'Note especially the poem follow-
ing the "Setting of the Lesson."
3.
Let the story of the feeding of the multitude be told by each member
of the family. Read selections from the Lesson Help, pp. 364-371.
4.
Study Questions 11, 12, and Notes 5 and 6. Read pages 377 and '378
of the Lesson= Help.
5.
Study Questions 13-18, and Notes 7, and 8. Children read paragraphs
6-11. Drill on the memory verse.
6.
Ask questions on feeding the multitude, from senior, youth's, junior,
or primary lesson. Read Parallel Scriptures on this topic.
7.
Review the latter part of the lesson in a similar manner. Read
selections from pages 380,382 of the Lesson Help.
QUESTIONS
I.
Upon returning from their first missionary tour, 'what did
the disciples tell Jesus? Mark 6: 30.
2.
Knowing that they were weary, what invitation did Jesus
give them? Verse 31. Note 1.
3.
How did they endeavor to take leave of the people? How
successful were they in this? Verses 32, 33. Note 2.
4.
When Jesus saw the vigilance of the people, how did He feel
toward them? What were they like? What help did He
give them? Verse 34.
5.
As night approached, what suggestion did the disciples make?
Verse's 35, 36.
6.
What was Jesus' reply? Who of the disciples qnestiOned
their ability to feed so many? Verse 37; John 6: 7.
7.
What discovery was made by another disciple? John 6: 8, 9.
Note 3.
8.
How did Jesus have the disciples arrange this large multitude,
that' they might be fed? Mark 6: 39, 4
0
.
9.
What did He then do in the sight 'of the people? What part
did the disciples act? Verse 41.
to. How amply did the loaves and fishes supply the needs of all?
How much was afterwards gathered up? 1-Tow many had
eaten? Verses 42-44. Note 4.
it. What did thoSe say who saw this miracle? What did Jesus
perceive that the multitude would. do? John 6: 14, 15. Note 5.
[ 22 ]
12.
How were they prevented from carrying out their plan? When .
the disciples had gone into the boat and the multitudes had
been sent away, what did Jesus do? Matt. 14; 22, 23. Note 6.
13.
What was the experience of the disciples in crossing the. lake?
How did Jesus go to them? Verses 24, 25. Note 7.
14.
How did Jesus' presence at such a tittle and place affect the
disciples? What assuring words did He speak to them?
Verses 26, 27.
is. What request did Peter make? Verse 28:
76. What reply did Jesus make? What was Peter's experience?
Verses 29-31.
17.
When Jesus and Peter entered the ship, what came to pasS?
What did those in the ship do? Verses 32, 33. (See John
6:21.) Note 8.
18.
Where did they land? What did the people of Gennesaret
do as
1
soon as they recognized Jesus? What blessing did
Jesus bring to the people of this whole region? Matt.
1
4:
34-36; Mark 6 : 36.
NOTES
7. "In a life wholly devoted to the good of others, the Saviour
found it necessary to withdraw from the thoroughfares of travel
and from the throng that followed Him day after day. -He must
turn aside from a life of ceaseless activity and contact with human
needs, to seek retirement and unbroken communion with His
Father. As one with us, a sharer in our needs and weaknesses,
He was wholly dependent upon God, and in the secret place of
prayer He sought divine strength, that He might go forth braced
for duty and trial. In a world of sin, Jesus endured struggles
and torture of soul. In communion with God He could unburden
the sorrows that were crushing Him. Here He found comfort
and
joy."—"The Desire of Ages,"
pp.
3
62,
3
63.
2.
The "desert place" to which Jesus and His disciples retired
seeking rest was not a barren, desolate region. John says there
was much grass there (John 6: To), and Mark says that the
grass was green (Mark 6: 39). It was no doubt a quiet, sparsely
populated region.
3.
Jesus was able to feed the multitude with the little food at
hand. We may learn a lesson from this. Our talents may be
few, but if:we bring them to Jesus, He can use them
to
feed
hungry souls who are perishing for the bread of life.
4.
"He who had all the resources of infinite power at His
command said, `Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing
be lost.' These words meant more than putting the bread into
the baskets. The lesson was twofold. Nothing is to be wasted.
We are to let slip no temporal advantage. - We should neglect
nothing that will tend to benefit a human being. Let everything
be gathered up that will relieve the necessity of earth's' hungry
[231
ones. And'iliere Sh'mild be the same carefulness in spiritual
the baskets of fragments were collected, the people
tliOught of 'their friends at home. They wanted them to share in
the bread ;that "Christ had blessed. The contents of the baskets
Were 'diAributed among the eager throng, and -were, carried
away into all the region round about. So those who were at the
feast were to give to others the bread that comes down from
heaven, to satisfy the hunger of theisoul. They were to repeat
what they had learned of the wonderful things•of God. Nothing
was,to be lost. Not one word that concerned their eternal salvia:
tion was to fall useless to the ground."—"The
Desire of Ages;"
p.
3
68.
"The:Jews had often suffered by famine in those times in
Which their enemies were permitted to prevail over them; but,
finding that Jesus had such power as to multiply a few loaves
to feed thousands; they took it for granted that while He was
their.,heacl,, no. evil could possibly happen to them, and there-
fore were determined immediately to proclaim Him king."—Dr.
Adam Clarke.
6. "Calling His disciples, Jesus bids them take the boat, and
return at once to Capernaum, leaving Him to dismiss the people.
'"Never before had a command from Christ seemed so im-
possible' of fulfillment. The disciples had long hoped for a
popuiai Anovdment 'to place Jesus on the throne; they could not
endure ''iffe
ihought that all this enthusiasm .should come to
itothing The multitudes that were assembling to keep the Pass-
.OVer Were anxious to see the new prophet. To His followers
:;'this seemed the golden opportunity to establish ,their beloved
'Master On-the throne of Israel. In the glow of this new ambition
'it was hard for them to go away by themselves, and leave Jesus
'alone upon that' desolate shore. They protested against the
arratigenient; but Jesus now spoke with an authority He had never
before assumed toward thein. They knew that further opposition
'on their i:i'art Would be useless, and in silence they turned toward
the sea,
"Jesns now commands the multitude to disperse; and His
manner is sd'decisive that they dare not disobey. The words of
praise and, exaltation die on their lips. In the very act of ad-
'vancing to Seize Him, their steps are stayed, and the glad, eager
look 'fades from their countenances."—"The
Desire .
;
of Ages,"
I
,
- 37
8
. "'
7.
P6rriter1y'the Jews had but three watches of the night,
enumerated as the first, or "beginning of the watches" (Lam.
:2 : i9);
watch" (Judges 7: 19), and "the morning
'watch" •(:Pt.
-
14: 24; ' I Sam. it : it). These were respectively
froin'§tifOetto
m., from to p. m. to
2
a. m., and from 2 a. in.
"to ;Stun
a
it&"'At this -time, however, they had mostly given up
theif OWt1,thinplitatiOn of the night watches, and adopted that of
namelY; four watches, from .6 p. ,m. to• 6 a. m., and
1 24
known as even, midnight, cockcrowing, and morning. Mark 13.:
35. The "fourth" watch must, therefore, -have been between
three and six .o'clock in the morning.
We may learn lessons from this experience in .the 'last w!atch
of the night. It was in the last watch of the night, the morning
watch, that God delivered Israel of old from :their ..Egyptian
foes. Ex. 14: 24-31. Out of that came their glorious triumph,
and the song of the triumph, the song of Moses. This
,
parable
deals with the last watch of the night, the morning watch ,
...:and-v>e
-are in that time now,—in the fourth watch of: the night of -sin
and probation. And we are on the storm-tossed .sea
-of
i.trouble,
seemingly "in the midst of the sea," no nearer the shore
t
tet,which
we are bound, after years
.
of rowing. Why' not taker-the; lesson
home—receive Jesus into the ship "in the midst of the see—still
a long way from the land of human
-
longing? SoMehow, is it
not true of us as it was of them? They' were, afraid. Of -the
Master when He appeared. He came in a way they::Were
.
not
looking for. In fact, they hardly seemed to be
.
eitpeetMicHimat.all.
They thought they must by their own power and:skill ariclelom
and policy save themselves. Yet, when they received Hint into
the boat. "immediately the ship was at the land-..:whither they
went." Would we not solve a great manyof our trials ,and' per
plexities if we would receive Jesus into the 'ship
.
. now?'.'
- How
much we need the Master in the ship ! How willing fle-is to come:.
in and take charge, and thus to span the distance'
.
bctWeetrlitg•:.
and the land whither we are going!
8. "When trouble comes upon us, how often we are like
Peter. We look upon the waves, instead of keeping oureyes,fixed
upon the SaViour. Our footsteps slide, and the Protict waters
go over Our souls. Jesus did not bid Peter come td
-
Hityrthat he
should perish ; He does not call us to follow • Him, and 'then' for-
sake us.
"—"The Desire of Ages," p. 382.
Read Isa.
LESSON 8
THE BREAD OF LIFE'
August 22, 1925 •
LESSON SCRIPTURE: John 6:22-71.
MEMORY VERSE: "I am the bread of life: he that cometb.to Me shall
never hanger." John 6: 35.
LESSON HELP: "The Desire of Ages," pp. 383-391.
PLACE: The plain of Gennesaret; synagogue in Capernaym.
PERSONS: Jesus; the disciples; the people.
. SETTING OF THE LESSON
"The miracle.:-of the loaves was reported far- and bear; ;and
very early next- morning the people flOcked toi
-
Bethsaidaqd see
25 1 :
Jesus. •They•came in great numbers, by land and sea. Those who
had left Him the preceding night returned, expecting to find Him
still there; for there had been no boat by which He could pass
to the other side. But their search was fruitless; and many re-
paired to Capernaum, still seeking Him. Meanwhile He had
attived at Gennesaret, after
-
an absence of but one day. . . .
"After 'a time He went to the synagogue, and there those who
had come froth Bethsaida found Him•. They learned from His
disciples hoW He had crossed. the sea. . . . Not content with
thiS, howeirer, many gathered about Jesus, questioning, 'Rabbi,
when tamest Thou hither?' They hoped to receive from His
ownlips a further account of the miracle. Jesus did not gratify
their curiosity."—"The
Desire of Ages," pp. 383, 384.
Suggestions for Daily. Family Study
1. Read the "Setting of the Lesson," and John 6: 22-40. Children may
read paragraphs 1-6 of 'the primary lesson. Drill on the memory verse and
its meaning,' each day.
2. Study. Questions 1-4, and Note 1. Ask questions on a portion of
the children's lessons.
3. Study Questions 5-8. Children may read paragraphs 7-12 of the
primary lesson. Read selected portions of the Lesson Help.
4. Read John 6: 41-71. Study Questions
.
9-13, and Note 2. Review
the children on their lesson.
5. Study Questions 14-19, and Notes 3-5. Study the lesson in "The
Youth's Instructor" with junior members.
6. Review a portion of the lesson by using senior, youth's, junior, or
primary lesson. Emphasize the spiritual truths set forth.;
7. Review the latter part of the lesson as suggested for the preceding study.
QUESTIONS
On the day following the feeding of the five thousand, how
earliest were the 'people in seeking for Jesus? When they
found' Him, what mystery did they wish cleared up? - John
6.22-25,
2.
Without answering their question, how did Jesus reveal their
motive? ,What did He exhort them to do? Verses 26, 27.
3.
What question did they ask in reply? How did Jesus define
the work, of God? Verses 28, 29.
4.
What evidence did they ask•that they might belieVe? What
Scriptural authority did they use for making such
a
claim?
Verses 3o, 3i. Note 1.
5.
How did Jesus compare the manna with the bread of life?
On hearing His words, what desire was awakened in their
hearts? Verses 32-34.
6.
What did Jesus then say of Himself? What would be the
experience of those who should believe on Him? Verse 35.
7, How will He receive those who come to Him? What was His
purpose
.
in coming into the world? Verses 37, 38.
8. What is the will of His Father? yerses 39, 40..
l 26 ]
9:, What murmuring statements did the Jews theri
-
riiake which
showed their unbelief?. Verses 41, 42.
to.. Who.only did Jesus say could come to Him? To what scrip-
ture did .He refer them? Who alone has seen. the. Father?
Verses 43-46.
it. How can 'everlasting life be obtained
' ? What further ekplana-
tion did Jesus make concerning the bread of life? For Whom
did He say this bread was',given?. Verses 47-51.
12.•
What statement seemed especially difficult for .the
.
. Jews to
- understand? Verse 52.
.13:. What further light did Jegus give concerning eating His flesh
-
and drinking His blood? Verses 53-58.- Note
2..
14.
Where was' Jesus while teaching these truths to the people?
How did these truths affect many of His disciples? Verses
59, 6o. Note 3.
.
15.
In response to their murmuring, what questions did Jesus .ask
them? Verses 61, 62. .
.
16.
What contrast is drawn between the flesh and the spirit?
What did Jesus say His words are? With. what did He
charge those who had heard His word? What statement is
made concerning the foreknowledge of Jesus? • Verses 63-65.
t7. As a result of His teaching, what did many of His
-
followers
do,? Verse 66. Note 4.
i8. What searching question did He ask His disciples? What
was Peter's reply?
.
Verses 67-69._ Note 5-.
[9. What sad announcement did Jesus make concerning one of
His disciples? Of whom did He speak? Verses 70, 71.
NOTES •
1.
"They had already seen the miracle of the five loaves, and
did not believe; and it was'impossible for them to see anything
mote descriptive of unlimited power and goodness. Even mira-
cles
,
themselves are lost on persons whose hearts.are,fi*ed on the
perishing things of the •world, and whose minds are filled with
prejudice against the truth. Their argument seemed to run
thus
.
: Thou Bast, we grant, fed five thousand men with five
loaves and two small fishes; but what is this in comparison with
what Moses did in the desert, who for forty years fed more
than a million persons .with bread from heaven? Do something
like this, and then we will believe on Thee, as we have believed
on Moses."—Dr.
Adam Clarke.
2.
"To eat the flesh- and drink the blood of Christ is to receive
Him as a personal Saviour, believing that He forgives our sins,
and that we are complete in Him. It is by beholding His love,
by dwelling upon it, by drinking it in, that we are to become
t
27I
partakers of His nature. What food is to the body, Christ must
be to the soul. Food can not benefit us unless we eat it ; finless
it becomes a part of our being. So Christ is of no value to us
if we do not know Him as a personal Saviour, A theoretical
knowledge wilt do us. no good. We must feed upon Him, receive
Him into the heart, so that His life becomes our life. His love,
His grace, must be assimilated."---
-
Thi
,
Desire of, Ages," p. 389.
3:
Among those .who followed Jesus were many who had only
selfish ends to gratify. They were willing to share in all the
blessings and privileges about which He taught, but were not
willing to comply with the provisions and conditions upon which
these blessings were to be obtained. Jesus taught of spiritual,
eternal things. They thought only of carnal, material things.
When they began to understand that a change of heart and life
in themselves was necessary in order to be true disciples of the
Master, they questioned His teachings, and many of them followed
Him no more.
4.
"By the public rebuke of their unbelief these disciples
were still further alienated from Jesus. They were greatly dis-
pleased, and wishing to wound the Saviour, and gratify the malice
of the Pharisees, they turned their backs upon Him, and left
Him with disdain.. They had made their choice,—had taken
the form without the spirit, the husk without the kernel.. Their
decision was never afterward reversed ; for they walked no more
with
.
Jesus."—"The
Desire of Ages," p. 392.
5.
"Are
you a follower of Christ? Then all that is written
concerning the spiritual life is written for you, and may be attained
through uniting yourself to Jesus. Is your zeal languishing?
has your first love grown cold? Accept again of the proffered
love of Christ. Eat of His fleih,- drink of His blood, and you
will become one with the Father and with the Son. . . .
"As our physical life is sustained by food, so our spiritual
life is sustained by the Word of God. And every soul is to
receive life from God's Word for himself. As we must eat for
ourselves in order to receive nourishment, so we must receive the
Word for ourselves. We are not to obtain it merely through the
medium of anther's, mind.. We should carefully study.. the Bible,
asking God for the aid of the Holy Spirit, that we may understand
His Word."-74d.,
389, 390.
THIRTEENTH SABBATH OFFERING
September 26, 1925
INCA UNION
(Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru)
South America
28
LESSON 9
THE SYROPHcENICIAN'S DAUGHTER; HEAL.
ING THE DEAF AND DUMB MAN
August 29, 1925
LESSON SCRIPTURE: Mark 7: 24-37.
PARALLEL SCRIPTURE: Matt. 15: 21-31.
MEMORY VERSE: "Great is thy faith: be it unto thee' even as thou
wilt." Matt. 15: 28.
LESSON HELP: "The Desire of Ages," pp. 399-403.
PLACES: Borders of Tyre and Sidon; region of Decapolis, near, Gergesa,
where the demoniacs were healed.
PERSONS: Jesus and the disciples; the Syropluznician woman and
hpr
daughter; deaf man with an impediment in his speech; the people of
Gergesa.
SETTING OF THE LESSON
"Jesus withdrew
from Capernaum, and crossing Galilee, re-
paired to the hill country on the borders of Phoenicia.. . . In
coming to this region He hoped to find the retirement He
-
had
failed to secure at Bethsaida. Yet this was not His only' purPose
in taking this journey. . . . The people of this district were of
the old Canaanite race. They were idolaters, and were despised
and hated by the Jews. To this class belonged the woman 'who
now came to Jesus. She was a heathen, and was therefore ex-
cluded from the advantages which the Jews daily enjoyed... .
This woman had heard of the prophet, who, it was reported,
healed all manner of diseases. As she heard of His power, hope
sprung up in her heart. Inspired by a mother's love, she de-
termined to present her daughter's case to Him. It was her
resolute purpose to bring her affliction to Jesus. He must heal
her child. She had sought help from the heathen gods,- but had
obtained no relief."—"The
Desire of Ages," pp. 399,.400.-
"Her eyes
Flashed with quick wit of anguish ; and she cried:
'Truth, Lord ! but crumbs fall, and the dogs may -eat •
The children's leavings !' Then beamed forth anew
That high look on His face, which comforted." '.
Suggestions for Daily Family Study
1.
Read the "Setting of the Lesson," and Mark 7 : 24-30. Children
may read paragraphs 1-6. Drill on the memory verse and its meaning,
each day.
2.
Study Questions 1-5, and Notes 1 and 2. Read selectpd ,portion.
from the Lesson Help.
3.
Study Questions 6-10, and Note 3. Read selected portions of the
Lesson Help. Trace on the map the route from Capernaum to the. borders
of Phoenicia, in which were Tyre and Sidon, and back to Decapolis... •
4.
Review the, story of the Syrophcrnician woman by telling
what
eaelk
person said and did. Ask questions from the junior lesson in "The-YoutWS
Instructor."
[291
5.
Read Mark 7:31-37. Study Questions 11-15, and Note 4. Children
may read paragraphs 7-9, and answer the questions in the primary lesson.
6.
Review a part of the lesson by using senior, youth's, junior, or
primarY 'lesson.
,
7.
Review the remainder of the lesson as suggested for the preceding study.
QUESTIONS
1.
From Capernaum, where did Jesus. go on a longer journey
than usual? How was He sought after by the .people? Mark
7:
24.
. •
2...Upon hearing of-His presence, who came to Him? What did
she do? Of what nationality was this woman? From what
great sorrow did she seek help of Jesus? Verses 25, 26.
'3: How were the people of other nationalities regarded by the
Jews? Note i.
14. HOw did Jesus at first seem to regard her request? What
did the disciples urge Him to do? For what reason? Matt.
15: 23.
5.
What was Jesus' first reply to the woman's petition? Verse
24.
Note
2.
6.
How did the woman show that she was determined to press
her petition? Verse 25.
7.
How did Jesus continue to test this woman!s faith? Mark
7:27. Note 3.
8.
With what humility and submission did faith still plead its
cause? Verse 28.
g. How' did divine power respond to her faith? Verse
29.
to. On her return home, what did she find had taken place?
Verse 3o.
1.! Leaving Tyre and Sidon, to what place did Jesus then go?
Verse 31. Note 4.
12.'
At 'this place, who was brought to Jesus? What did his
friends beseech Jesus to do? Verse 32.
13.
What did Jesus do for this afflicted man? Verses 33-35.
14.
What did Jesus request should not be done? With what re-
sult? 'Verse 36.
15.
How was the work of Jesus regarded at this time? Verse 37.
NOTES
I.
In the time of our Saviour, the Jews had erected a high
dividing wall between themselves and all people of other nations,
or gentiles, regardless of the country from which they came.
To be outside of the Jewish nation was to be regarded by them
as 'separated from salvation and from God, and all such were
held in contempt. In i Corinthians 4: 10-13, Paul gives a picture
of how 'those outside of the Jewish nation were regarded by
the Jews.
(301
2:
-
"jesus'brough(the discijeS in contact with
-
a heathen, whom
they regarded as having nu reason above any of her people, to
expect favor from Him. He would give an. example of how
such a one should be treated. The disciples had thought that•He
dispensed too freely the gifts of His grace. He would show that
His love was not to he circumscribed to race or nation.
"When He said, 'I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of
the house of Israel;', He stated the truth, and in His work -for the
Canaanite:woman
-
He was fulfilling His commission. This woman
was One of the lost sheep that Israel should have rescued. , It
was 'their appointed
work,
the work which they had neglected,
that Christ was 'doing."'—"The
Desire of figc,s,'
p.
402.
3.
"Jesus received the importunities of thiS representative of
a despised:race in the same manner as the Jews would have'done ;
this was not only to prove the faith and sincerity 'of the woman,-
but also to teach His, disciples a lesson of mercy, that'they might
not be
-
at a loss how to act in similar cases 'after Jesus' should
leave them and they. could no ,longer go to Him for personal
counsel. Jesus designed that they should be impressed with
the contrast between the cold and heartless manner in which the
Jews would treat such a case, as evinced by His reception.of the
woman, and the compassionate manner in which He would have
them deal with such distress, as manifested by ,His subsequent'
granting of her petition in the healing of her slaughter."—"Spirit
of Prophecy," vol. z,
p.
302.
4.
The journey to the coasts of Tyre and Sidon was between
forty and fifty miles. Our Lord' went there and returned im-
mediately, having
-
done nothing else, so far as the record shows,
but to heal the woman's daughter. Indeed, this long joUrtWY
may have been takenfor this purpose. This touching story brinks
Jesus yery near to us all as a tender Personal. Helper and Saviour.
And what wonderful evidence is here given of Christ's knowl-
edge, love, and power to help any soul, in any place or condition.
who desires:His help and presence! What He was to this de-
spised woman, so will He be to everyone who realizes 'his own
need, and exercises faith in God.
LESSON 10
FOUR THOUSAND FED; HEALING A BLIND
MAN; JESUS TEACHING THE DISCIPLES
September 5, 1925
LESSON SCRIPTURE: Mark 8.
PARALLEL SCRIPTURE: Matt. 15: 32 to 16: 28.
MEMORY VERSE: "What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the
whole world, and lose his own soul?" Mark 8: 36.
LESSON HELP: "The Desire of Ages," pp. 404-418.
[ 31]
PLACE: A mountain desert place in the region of Decapolis, near Gergesa,
where the demoniacs were healed; thence across the lake to Dalmanutha,
near Magdala, in Galilee.
PERSONS: Jesus and the disciples; a multitude of four thousand men,
besides women and children; a blind man; Pharisees.
SETTING OF THE LESSON
Jesus and His disciples were now in that part of the country
where the demoAacs of Gergesa had been healed. Once these
people had begged Him to depart from their coasts. Now a desire
was aroused to see Him, and a crowd gathered to
:
greet Him.
The change of sentiment was no doubt due in large measure to
the testimony of the two men who had been restored to their
right minds. Jesus had said to them, "Go home to thy friends.
and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee."
The gathering of the four thousand to listen to the words of the
great Healer was evidence of the faithfulness of these two men.
Suggestions for Daily Family Study
'
(
I. Read the "Setting
of the Lesson," and Mark 8: 1-21. Children may
read paragraphs 1-4 of the primary lesson. Drill each day on the memory
verse and its meaning.
2.
Study Questions 1-7, and Note 1. Ask children the questions on this
portion of their lesson. Read the first few paragraphs of the pages assigned
in the Lesson Help.
3.
Study Questions 8-14, and Notes 2 and 3. Children may read para-
graph 4 and answer questions on it in the primary lesson. Read selected
portions from pages 405-409 of the Lesson Help.
4.
Read Mark 8: 22-38. Children may read paragraphs 5-10 of the
primary lesson, and answer 9uestions on the same.
5.
Review the lesson stories by telling what each person said and did.
every member of the family taking part. Locate on the map the places
mentioned. Study Questions 15-19, and Notes 4 and 5.
6.
Review the first half of the lesson by asking questions and reading
notes from the different sets of lessons.
7.
Review the remaining portion of the lesson as suggested for the
Preceding
study.
QUESTIONS
.
i. After the healing of the deaf and dumb man, how large a
multitude followed after Jesus? Mark- 8: I.
2.
What physical need of the people excited His pity? Verse 2.
3.
Why did He not send them to their homes? Verse 3.
4.
What question arose in the minds of the disciples? Verse 4.
Note 1.
5.
What question did Jesus ask His disciples? What was their
reply? Verse 5.
6.
What directions did Jesus then give? What did He do to the
bread? What part of the work was assigned to the disciples?
Verses 6, 7.
7.
How amply were the needs of all supplied?' How many
baskets of fragments were taken up'after the meal? How
many had been proyided with food on this occasion? Verses
8, 9; Matt. 15 : 38.
32
8, After feeding the multitude, where did Jesus go? Matt. 15:
39. Note 2.
9. Who came to Him at this time? What was the nature of •
their errand? What reply did Jesus give them? Mark 8:
II, 12.
io. On leaving them, where did Jesus go? In preparing to leave,
what had the disciples forgotten? How much• food did they
have with them? Verses 13, 14.
II. Against what did Jesus warn His disciples? What reasoning
did this start among them? Verses 15, 16.
12.
When Jesus perceived their thoughts, what did He say? Of
what remarkable miracles did He remind them? What was
His purPose'in doing this? Verses 17-21.
13.
What did the disciples finally understand? Matt. 16: I I, 12.
Note 3.
14.
Describe the healing of the blind man of Bethsaida. Mark
8: 22-26.
15.
As they were journeying together, what question did Jesus
ask His disciples? What did they reply? Verses 27, 28.
r6. How personal did He then make His question? Who re-
plied? What did he say? What charge did Jesus give them?
Verses 29
;
3o. Note 4.
17.
What did Jesus then make known to them? What rash spirit
was manifested by Peter? In what way did Jesus rebuke
him? Verses 31-33. Note 5.
18.
What principle does Jesus lay down as the foundation of the
Christian life? Verses 34, 35.
19.
What two questions does Jesus then ask? What solemn
warning does He present before us? Verses 36-38.
NOTES
r. The disciples should have recalled at' this time how. on
a former occasion, Jesus, by blessing a few loaves and fisheS, fed
the five thousand. But they did not. "Again the disciples revealed
their unbelief. At Bethsaida they had seen how, with Christ's
blessing, their little store availed for the feeding of the multitude;
yet they did not now bring forward their all, trusting His power
to multiply it for the hungry crowds. Moreover, those whom He
fed at'Bethsaida ,were Jews; these were gentiles and heathen.
Jewish ptejudice was still strong in the hearts of the disciples.
and they answered Jesus, 'Whence can a man satisfy these men
with bread here in the wilderness?'
"—"The Desire of Ages,"
Pk. 404,405.: ••
2. •Nragdala was on the 'west side of the sea, in Galilee itself.
Dalmanutha .(Matk81:
.
101 Was a village near by; In this vicinity
33
Jesus had performed many miracles, and lie was. well known. I ie
again meets the cold unbelief of the scribes and Pharisee., in
marked contrast to His welcome among the heathen people.about
Gadara and in the coasts of Tyre and Sidon. He remained, only
a short time in this place.
3.
Jesus no doubt was grieved at this time that He did not
see in the hearts of His disciples greater
.
evidence That they truly
grasped His divine mission. The shadows of the cross- were
beginning to fall upon His pathway. His disciples had witnessed
many of His mighty works, and their interpretation of what He
had said about the leaven of the Pharisees was evidence that they
but faintly comprehended Him who was daily in their presence.
They failed to grasp and hold the truth that they had with them
the Creator of all things—Him who had only to "speak" and it
"stood fast." Jesus apparently from this time on sought es-
pecially to impress the disciples with His divine Mission, thus
preparing them for the dark scenes of His trial and crucifixion
which were just before Him at Jerusalem.
4.
Jesus approached the question of His divine Sonship with
great caution. He knew that upon this question hung the destiny
of the world; that around this truth the storm of the ages
was already gathering, and would soon burst in relentless
-
fury.
Satan had assailed the truth of the incarnation, in the wilderness
of temptation, with,
"
-
If
Thou be, the Son of God." Jesus knew
His foe, and the strength of the temptation awaiting the disciples
upon this point. He desired to prepare them for it while He
was still with them.
"From the first, Peter had believed Jesus to be the Messiah.
Many others . . . now doubted that Jesus was the Messiah,
for whom they had looked so long. Many of the disciples who
had ardently expected Jesus to take His place on David's throne,
left Him when they perceived that He had no such intention...
On this day, before they were brought face to face with the
great trial of their faith, the Holy Spirit rested upon them in
power. For a little time their eyes were turned away from 'the
things which are seen,' to behold 'the things which are not seen.'
Beneath the guise of humanity they discerned the .glory of the
Son of God."—"The
Desire of Ages," pp -4n; 412. •
5.
"Satan was trying to discourage JesuS;.and turn Him from
His mission; and Peter, in his blind love, was giving voice to the
temptation. The prince of evil was -the -author o.f the thought.
His instigation was behind that impulsiVe appeal. . . . The words
of Christ were spoken, not to Peter, but to the one who was
trying to separate him from his Redeemer."-4d.,
p. 416.
"Professed Christians yearly expend an immense sum upon
useless and pernicious indulgences, while souls are perishing for
the word of life."—"The
Great Controversy,". p. 475.
[ 34 ]
- LESSON 11
THE TRANSFIGURATION
September 12, 1925
LESSON SCRIPTURE: Matt. 17: 1-9.
PARALLEL SCRIPTURES: Mark 9: 1-13; Luke 9: 27-36.
MEMORY VERSE: "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased:
hear ye Him."' Matt. 17: 5.
LESSON HELP: "The Desire of Ages," pp. 419-425.
PLACE: Probably Mt. Hermon, whose top towers nine thousand feet
above the sea.
PERSONS: Jesus, Moses, Elias [Elijah], Peter, James, and John.
SETTING OF THE LESSON
"Evening is drawing on as Jesus calls to His side three of His
disciples, Peter, James, and John, and leads them across the
fields, and far up a rugged path, to a lonely mountain side. The
Saviour and His disciples have spent the day in traveling and
teaching, and the mountain climb adds to their weariness. .
The light of the setting sun still lingers on the mountain top,
and gilds with its fading glory the path they are traveling. But
soon the light dies out from hill as well as valley, the sun dis-
appears behind the western horizon, and the solitary .travelers
are wrapped in the darkness of night."—"The
Desire of Ages,"
P. 4
1
9.
Suggestions for Daily Family Study
1.
Read the "Setting of the Lesson." Read the Lesson Scripture.
Children read the primary lesson. Drill on the memory verse each day.
2.
Study Questions 1-9, and the notes. Read pages 419-421 of the. Lesson
Help. Locate Mt. Hermon on the map.
3.
Study Questions 10-14, and read pages 422-425 of the Lesson Help.
Ask questions on the primary lesson.
4.
Tell the lesson as a story, dwelling upon the details, each member
contributing. Study particularly the meaning of the transfiguration, and all
that it represents.
5.
Read the Parallel Scriptures. If convenient, study the junior lesson
and notes. Try the Memory Test in the junior lesson.
6.
Review a portion of the lesson by using questions in senior, youth's,
junior, or primary lesson.
7.
Review the remaining portion of the lesson as suggested for the
.preceding study.
QUESTIONS
t. On one occasion, what three disciples did Jesus ask to go with
Him apart from the others? Where did they go? Matt. 17
2.
For what purpose did they go there? Luke 9: 28.
3.
What took place on this occasion? How 'did Jesus appear
before them? Matt. 17:
2.
4.
Who besides Jesus, Peter, James, and John were present' at
this time? What were they doing? Verse
3.
Note
5.
What did Peter propose doing? Verse 4.
35
6.
What took place while Peter was speaking? What did the
voice from the cloud say? Verse 5. Note 2.
7.
How did the hearing of the voice affect the disciples?
Verse 6.
8.
How did Jesus reassure them? Verse 7.
9.
On opening their eyes and looking about, whom only did they
see? Verse 8.
to. As they were coming down from the mountain, what charge
did Jesus give them? Verse 9.
it. What question did the disciples then ask? Verse To.
12.
What.answer did Jesus make? Verse
13.
Who did Jesus say had already 'come? How had the people
received him? How did He say they would treat the Son of
man? Verse 12.
14, To whom did the disciples then understand Jesus had ref-
'etence ?' Verse 13.
NOTES
,
1. The statement of Jesus recorded in Matthew 16:28, that
some of those present should not taste of death until they saw
the kingdom of. God come, no doubt referred to the transfigura-
tion. Here was given a representation in miniature of the future
kingdom and home of God's people. Jesus, the -King, was seen
in
.
His glory; Moses stood as a representative of the resurrected
satins (Jude 9), and Elijah of those who will be translated at the
coming of Christ. t Thess. 4: 16, 17.
What did Jesus, Elijah, and Moses talk about? "Not the
inauguration of Christ as king, but the decease to be accomplished
at Jerusalem, is the subject of their conference with Jesus.
Bearing the weakness of humanity, and burdened with its sorrow
and, sin, Jesus walked alone in the midst of men. As the darkness
of the coming trial pressed upon Him, He was in loneliness of
spirit, in a world that knew Him not. Even His loved disciples,
Absorbed in their own doubt and sorrow and ambitious hopes, had
not comprehended the mystery of His mission. He had dwelt
amid the love and fellowship of heaven; but in the world that He
had created, He was in solitude. Now heaven had sent its messen-
gers to Jesus; not angels, but men who had endured suffering
and sorrow, and who could sympathize with the Saviour in the'
trial of His earthly life. Moses and Elijah had been colaborers
with Christ. They had shared His longing for the salvation of
men. Moses had pleaded for Israel: 'Yet now, if Thou wilt
forgive their sin ;—and if not, blot me, I pray Thee, out of Thy
hook which Thou hast written.' Elijah had known loneliness
of spirit, as for three years and a half of famine he had borne
the burden of the nation's hatred and its woe. Alone he had
stood for God upon Mount Carmel. Alone he had fled to the
desert in anguish and despair. These men, chosen above every
angel around the throne, had come to commune with Jesus con-
[
36]
cerning the scenes of His suffering, and to comfort Him with the
assurance of the sympathy of heaven. The hope of the world,
the salvation of every human being, was the burden of their
interview."—"The
Desire of Ages," pp. 422-425.
2.
Peter, James, and John heard with their own ears the
voice of God when He spoke from the glory of the transfigura-
tion. With their own eyes they saw Jesus, Moses, and Elijah,
and they heard them conversing together. Nothing.could have been
clearer to human senses ; but Peter says, "We have a more sure
word of prophecy." That is to say, while we may place a reason-
able degree of confidence in what our natural senses, like sight,
hearing, and feeling, tell us, still we have something "more sure"
for our senses can be deceived, but the word of prophecy—the
Bible—never fails.
LESSON 12
HEALING THE DEMONIAC
September 19, 1925
LESSON SCRIPTURE: Mark 9: 14-29.
PARALLEL SCRIPTURES: Matt. 17: 14-21; Luke 9: 37-45.
MEMORY VERSE: "Why could not we cast him out? And Jesus said
unto them, Because of your unbelief." Matt. 17: 19, 20..
LESSON HELP: "The Desire of Ages," pp. 426-431.
PLACE: Probably at the foot of Mt. Hermon.
PERSONS: Jesus and His disciples; the father and his afflicted son; the
scribes and the multitude.
SETTING OF THE LESSON
The entire night has been passed in the mountain of trans-
figuration. "As the sun arose, Jesus and His disciples descended
to the plain. Absorbed in thought, the disciples were awed and
silent. Even Peter had not a word to say. Gladly would they
have lingered in that holy place which had been touched with
the light of heaven, and where the Son of God had manifested
His glory ; but there was work to be done for the people, who
were already searching far and near for Jesus. At the foot of
the mountain a large company had gathered, led hither by the
disciples who had remained behind, but who knew whither Jesus
had resorted."—"The
Desire of Ages;' p. 426.
Suggestions for Daily Family Study
1.
Read the "Setting of the Lesson," and Mark 9: 14.29. Drill each day
on the memory verse and its meaning.
2.
Study Questions 1-4, and Note 1. Children may read the primary
lesson. Read pages 426 and 427 of the Lesson Help.
3.
Study Questions 5.10, and Note 2. Ask children questions in the
primary lesson. Read pages 428 and 429 of the Lesson
4.
Study Questions 11-15, and Note 3. Read pages 430 and 431 of the
Lesson Help.
[37
7
S. Review the lesson story by telling what each person said and did,
every member of the family taking part. Note particularly the reasons
why the disciples could not cast out the evil spirit. Discuss topics in the
junior lesson under the heading, "Questions to Think About."
6.
Review the first half of the lesson by asking questions and reading
notes from any or all of the different sets of lessons.
7.
Review the remaining portion of the lesson as suggested for the
preceding study.
QUESTIONS
1.
Coming to the other disciples at the foot of the mount of
transfiguration, what did Jesus see? What were the scribes
doing? Mark 9: 14.
2.
How did the sight of Jesus affect the people? What did they
do? Verse 15.
3.
What question did Jesus ask the scribes? Verse 16.
4.
What explanation did one of the multitude give? Verses 17,
18. Note 1.
5.
How did Jesus rebuke the unbelief of the people? What did
He ask them to do? Verse 19.
6.
When the boy was brought into the presence of Jesus, what
did the spirit do that controlled him? Verse
20.
Note
2.
7.
What question did Jesus ask the father? What was the
answer? Verse 21.
8.
By what means had this evil spirit tried to destroy the boy?
For what did the father earnestly plead? Verse
22.
9.
How did JeSus seek to strengthen the faith of the father?
Verse 23.
to. What did the father then cry out with tears? Verse
2
4.
it. Seeing the people running together, how did Jesus rebuke the
evil spirit? Verse 25.
i2. How did the evil spirit respond to the command of Jesus?
In what condition did he seem to leave the boy? Verse 26.
13.
Seeing his weakened condition, what additional assistance did
Jesus render the boy? Verse 27.
14.
When alone with Jesus, what question did His disciples ask
Him? Verse 28.
15.
What explanation of their failure to cast out the evil spirit
,
did Jesus make?, Verse 29. Note 3.
NOTES
1. "Authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, had been
conferred on the disciples when Jesus sent out the twelve to preach
through Galilee. As they went forth strong in faith, the evil
spirits had obeyed their word. Now in the name of Christ they
commanded the torturing spirit to leave his victim; but the demon
only mocked them by a fresh display of his power. The disciples,
unable to account for their defeat, felt that they were bringing
dishonor upon themselves and their Master. And in the crowd
[
38
]
there were scribes who made the most of this opportunity to
humiliate them."—"The
Desire of Ages,"
p. 427.
2.
"Again the Prince of Life and the prince of the powers
of darkness had met on the field of battle,—Christ in fulfillment
of His mission to 'preach deliverance to the captives, . . . to set
at liberty them that are bruised,' Satan seeking to hold his victim
under his control. Angels of light and the hosts of evil angels,
unseen, were pressing near to behold the conflict. For a moment,
Jesus permitted the evil spirit to display his power, that the
beholders might comprehend the deliverance about to be wrought.
The multitude looked on with bated breath, the father in an agony
of hope and fear."—Id.,
p. 428.
3.
"Their unbelief, that shut them out from deeper sympathy
with Christ, and the carelessness with which they regarded the
sacred work committed to them, had caused their failure in the
conflict with the powers of darkness.
"The words of Christ pointing to His death, had brought
sadness and doubt. And the selection of the three disciples to
accompany Jesus to the mountain had excited the jealousy of the
nine. Instead of strengthening their faith by prayer and medita-
tion on the words of Christ, they had been dwelling on their
discouragements and personal grievances. In this state of, dark-
ness they had undertaken the conflict with Satan.
"In order to succeed in such a conflict they must come to the
work in a different spirit. Their faith must be strengthened by
fervent prayer and fasting, and humiliation of heart. They must
be emptied of self, and be filled with the Spirit and power of
God. Earnest, persevering supplication to God in faith,—faith
that leads to entire dependence upon God, and unreserved conse-
cration to His work,—can alone avail to bring men the Holy
Spirit's aid in the battle against principalities and powers, the
rulers of the darkness' of this world, and wicked spirits in high
places."—Id.,
P. 430.
LESSON•13
THE REVIEW
September 26, 1925
Suggestions for Daily Family Study
1.
Study Questions 1-4, each member of the family supplying details
of the lesson story. In each day's study, review the memory verse, and
emphasize the practical lessons taught.
2.
Study Questions 5 and 6, members of the family supplying all details
of the two miracles.
3.
Study Questions 7 and 8. Note the special points that should be
emphasized. Drill the children on difficult parts.
4.
Study
.
Questions 9-11.
Children may relate the stories of the
feeding of the five thousand and Jesus walking on the sea.. Emphasize
the practical points.
E39
7
5.
Study Questions 12 and 13. Older Members may review the lesson
on "The Bread of Life." Let the children tell what each one said and
did in the story of the healing of the Syrophcenician's daughter.
6.
Study Questions 14 and 15. Relate the stories in Lesson 10, dwelling-
upon practical lessons. Emphasize the real significance of the experience
on the mount of transfiguration.
7.
Study Question 16. Tell what each one said and did in the story of
the healing of the boy possessed of an evil spirit.
QUESTIONS
1.
What scripture of the Old Testament did Jesus fulfill by
teaching in parables? Lesson I.
2.
Name the parables mentioned in the first lesson. Tell the
parable of the fish net, and explain the application Jesus made
of it. Lesson 1.
3.
What power did Jesus manifest in stilling the tempest on the
Sea of Galilee? Lesson
2.
4.
Relate the circumstances in which Jesus exercised His power
over the demoniacs of Gadara. Lesson
2.
5.
What example of strong faith in the Saviour's power to heal
was manifested by an afflicted woman who had been a suf-
ferer for many years? Lesson 3.
6.
On what errand of mercy was Jesus going when this healing
took place? Relate the circumstances briefly. Lesson 3.
7.
What notable miracles of healing are given in Lesson 4?
8.
What was to be the keynote of the message which the chosen
twelve were to carry? • What works of power would follow
its proclamation? What lines of separation would this mes-
sage create? Lesson 5.
9.
How did Jesus say His servants would be received by the
world? Whom only should His people fear? Lesson 6.
Jo. What manifestation of Christ's power illustrates His sym-
pathy in our needs and His willingness to supply them?
Lesson 7.
11.
Relate. Peter's experience in trying to walk on the water.
What caused his failure? Lesson 7.
12.
How did Jesus teach a deeply spiritual lesson from a loaf of
bread? Upon learning the true meaning of Christ's teachings,
what did some of His followers do? Lesson 8.
13.
What miracle did Je§us perform in which He showed that
His ministry was not alone to the Jewish nation? Lesson 9.
14.
Describe the feeding of the four thousand. Against what evil
influence did Jesus warn His disciples? Lesson io.
15.
Describe the event by which the second coming of Christ was
pictured in miniature. Lesson IL
16.
Describe the healing of the boy possessed of an evil spirit.
What was the cause of the disciples' failure to cast out this
evil spirit? Lesson 12.
40]